NAC Hoops: Caruso Wins #500, UMPI Men Advance

North Atlantic Conference hoops playoffs are down to the final four teams in both men’s and women’s play.

When Husson University coach Warren Caruso led his Eagles to a 70-61 win over Northern Vermont-Johnson in the quarterfinal round over the weekend, it put the 26-year coach in the 500 win club (500-238). Caruso joins his mentor, former Eagles coach Bruce MacGregor and current Husson women’s coach Kissy Walker in the 500 win club.

The 12-14 Eagles will meet SUNY-Canton in the semi-final round Friday night.

The UMaine Presque Isle Owls under the direction of coach Dan Kane won their quarterfinal round game as the #5 seed beating #4 Thomas College 87-86. The Owls improve to 13-13

UMPI will meet top seed UMaine Farmington in the semi-final round on Friday night.

Semifinals • Friday, February 28 (at UMaine-Farmington)
5:30 PM – #1 UMaine-Farmington vs. #5 UMaine-Presque Isle
7:30 PM – #2 SUNY Canton vs #3 Husson

Championship • Saturday, February 29 (at UMaine-Farmington)
2:00 PM – Semifinal 1 winner vs. Semifinal 2 winner

While the men’s final four takes place in Farmington, the NAC women’s semis and final will take place at Husson University in Bangor. Here’s the schedule for that event.

Semifinals • Friday, February 28 (at Husson)
5:30 PM – #1 Husson vs. #5 NVU-Lyndon
7:30 PM – #2 Maine Maritime vs #3 UMF

Championship • Saturday, February 29 (at Husson)
2:00 PM – Semifinal 1 winner vs Semifinal 2 winner

*NOTE: The NAC men’s and women’s winner advance to the NCAA Division III Tournament with the conference automatic bid.